BlackStaff.co.uk
Title
Blackstaff Rats -- Pet Rats in London, UK
Description
Who are we?
Blackstaff Rats is the name of the rattery owned by Antonia and Paul Robinson. We are members of the British National Fancy Rat Society (with whom our stud affix "Blackstaff" is registered). We show and breed our rats -- specialising in purebred English Badger ("Blazed") rats, although we also used to breed Himalayans and have had litters of Berkshire, Irish, Variegated and Rex in the past. We usually have around 8-12 rats -- this is much fewer than many ratteries, but each animal is a much loved pet, and it is important to us to only have as many rats as we can give individual attention to an a daily basis.
Our rats are our pets -- they are intelligent, clean, affectionate animals -- and when we breed them health and temperament are paramount. Rats make wonderful pets when they have been carefully bred and well-socialised. Rats go through a critical developmental period between the ages of two and six weeks, with the period between weeks two and four being the most important. We put a great deal of time and effort into socialising our baby rats, and make sure that each rat kitten learns to enjoy human company. Rats learn a great deal during this "window" and we make sure that the babies are given a stimulating environment as well as lots of attention: this helps them grow up to be more intelligent, confident pets.
Animal welfare is very important to us: because rats are such intelligent animals, they can suffer greatly when neglected. This is why we screen all potential new rat owners before we let them take our babies home. A large cage (at least two feet long) and another rat (or other rats) of the same sex for company are musts. Rats are social animals, and although they love human company, they need the company of other rats and are miserable when kept in solitary confinement. The Pet Rat Information Leaflet explains in more detail why it is important to provide rats with ratty playmates.
Languages
English
Additional Information
Related Domains
External Links
- Alexa: BlackStaff.co.uk
